AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But we can.” He leaned toward me again, brushing his mouth along the length of my throat. He cupped my knee.
My skin burned beneath his touch. I was thankful that I was wearing jeans.
Atlas turned his body toward me, shielding me from any onlookers. If he wasn’t careful, Ricki would come over and say something. He knew my father. Hell, everyone knew my father. It wasn’t like being the Sheriff’s daughter was an easy task. That was one reason I was so upset that Atlas had moved. My father actually liked him. He approved of him and then Atlas’s dad ripped him away from me.
“Atlas,” I whispered, licking my lips.
“Yes?” His hand trailed higher up my thigh.
I covered it, stopping him from reaching the spot I wanted him most. “This is dangerous.”
“Since when has a little danger ever stopped you?” he purred, his hot breath fanning over the side of my face.
I let out a husky laugh. “I was a little girl who thought life was filled with rainbows, sunshine and puppies. I didn’t know any better.”
He pinched my chin, turning my head. “And that’s what I loved about you. I could read all your thoughts just by looking into your eyes. You wear your emotions on your face and hold your heart in your hands, offering it to anyone who needs it. But I know I’m the only one who ever got it completely.”
I looked away. “That was also a long time ago. And we were kids,” I reiterated. “We were young and foolish.”
“And in love.” He licked along the shell of my ear, sending a shiver racing down my spine.
“You never told me you loved me,” I reminded him.
“You know I did,” he murmured, his voice deep. “I bet you one more shot, and I can convince you to come to the bathroom with me.”
A laugh escaped me. “Way to keep it classy.”
He chuckled, shrugging those broad shoulders of his. “It was worth a shot. Gotta keep my options open. I wouldn’t take you to a bathroom anyway.”
“No?”
“Nah, baby. You deserve better than that.”
I shook my head, unable to help the wide smile spreading on my face. “Thank you for tonight, Atlas. It’s been a long time since I’ve been out like this.”
“I’m glad you’re having fun but…” He snarled into my neck. “The night’s still young yet, babe.”
I giggled, pushing him away. But I didn’t get very far when his arm wrapped around me and pulled me closer. It had been so long since I felt the warm strong touch of the opposite sex.
A goofy grin spread on his face. “I like this. Being with you again.”
“Last time we were together, we were both underage. Definitely couldn’t come here and drink our faces off.” Those were the good days. When we were young and innocent, and life was easier. Until Atlas moved, it had only ever been him.
“Did you date anyone after me?” he asked, taking a long swig from his mug.
My cheeks burned. “Uh…not really. I had a few dates but nothing that was long term. I focused more on schooling and making my candles. Which I’m sure my parents were happy about.” I laughed lightly. “But I did finally open up my bookstore. It’s tiny but I can also sell the candles there and the other products that Thistle Farms has as well.”
“Yes, I heard about that.” He clinked his mug against mine. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” There was no point asking him how he heard about my business ventures. Once you lived in a small town, no matter if you moved or not, you knew people’s business forever. Not that I minded really. I enjoyed that people talked to him about me.
“What’s got that smile on your face, pretty girl?” Atlas ran a hand down my back, slipping his fingers beneath my shirt that fell to the top of my high waisted jeans.
My skin heated, erupting into tiny goosebumps.
“Marley,” he said, his deep voice washing over me. “Tell me.”
“This,” I whispered. “This has me happy.”
